2020, Number 6
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Salud Mental 2020; 43 (6)
Emotional responses and coping strategies in adult Mexican population during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic: An exploratory study by sex
Ramos-Lira L, Rafful C, Flores-Celis K, Mora RJ, García-Andrade C, Rascón GML, Bautista AN, Cervantes MC
Language: English
References: 24
Page: 243-251
PDF size: 185.44 Kb.
ABSTRACT
Introduction. The COVID-19 outbreak has involved a permanent and significant increase of fear and worries
related to the virus and the measures taken to avoid contagion, such as confinement.
Objective. To explore
the relationship between emotional responses and coping strategies used to face the first confinement among
the Mexican adult population and inquire about differences by sex.
Method. An exploratory study was conducted
through a self-administered online survey. It included questions about sociodemographic characteristics,
emotions about pandemic information, and coping strategies. An informed consent form was presented
prior to data collection. Chi square and Kruskal-Wallis were performed for bivariate analyses.
Results. A total
of 2,650 participants completed the survey (21.6% were men). Significantly more men than women reported
feeling calm (
p ‹ .001), hopeful (p = .011), and indifferent (
p = .002). In contrast, more women, compared to
men significantly reported feeling worried (
p ‹ .001), fearful (
p ‹ 0.001), and sad (
p ‹ .001). More women
reported being emotionally close to other people (
p = .027), seeking help from friends and family to share
emotions and concerns (
p ‹ .001), and they frequently prayed as a coping strategy regardless of their emotions
(
p = .005).
Discussion and conclusion. While women are the least affected by the contagion and their
symptoms are milder than in men, they present the most negative emotions, particularly of worry, but they
also used more caring and helpful behaviors in comparison with men. These results can serve as a basis
for developing research with a gender perspective that delves into the differences by sex found in this study.
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